Students could end up paying cash for their commute with U-Pass shortages

On Apr 1, 2014

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Langara students were unable to get their U-Passes on March 31 because of a problem restocking the dispensary machines. Should they choose to ride transit without a pass they could face a $156 fine from TransLink. / MIKE HODDER photo

Langara students might have thought they were getting April fooled yesterday when campus U-Pass machines ran out and couldn’t provide their transit passes.

The Langara bookstore, where one of the machines is located, tweeted Tuesday morning that the machines would be running by the afternoon.

But that didn’t stop students from banging on the windows of the bookstore, which was closed for inventory for the day, wanting to know where to get their passes.

While the new passes were available last month, they ran out sometime before Monday afternoon.

The machines in the Students’ Union Building and the library were restocked again around 10 am Tuesday morning, but are supposed to be restocked by the 17th of each month with passes for the following month.

Students not impressed

Library technician student Samantha Lee couldn’t get her pass when she tried the machine in the library Monday night.

“I tried to get mine last night but I couldn’t get it,” said Lee. “It’s working now though.”

The mandatory U-Pass program costs students $36.75 per month and is factored into students’ fees.

Arts student Abby Pelaez thinks that if students have to pay for a U-Pass they should be available when they need them. / MIKE HODDER photo

“Since you have to pay for it, it really should be there on time,” said arts student Abby Pelaez.

If students choose to take transit without a valid pass they could face a $156 fine from TransLink for fare evasion.

“I’d be pretty upset because $150 is a lot,” said Pelaez, who was lucky enough to get hers before they ran out. “That’s like half a course, a day’s wage.”

General studies student Mackenzie Fawcett, said the problem is frustrating but it’s up to students to make sure they have fare.

“I’d be upset but it’s my responsibility to have other currency to pay for my ticket if I’m going to ride transit.”